Momma Told Me: March 2017

Blog Archive

The Meaning of Lobster- And My Lobsterfest® Story

The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CelebrateLobster #CollectiveBias
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD

My father and I have a thing. It's called lobster.

Now, before you jump to any conclusions, let me elaborate by telling you that lobster is more than a sea creature, a food dish, or even a memory. If you asked my father he'd tell you it's my thing- 'Jenna loves lobsters'. And, while I may have taken the image of a lobster and made it something special to myself it is undoubtedly a direct result of the special relationship my father and I have forged from the early days of my childhood. You see my personal celebration of lobster goes back to a single event, at age 5, but has continued through the creation of countless memories with my dad ever since.

Through the past few years my family has faced some trying times. It also happened that, during these trials, my father met and began dating a woman very special to him. After having my father to myself for over a decade, this daddy's girl had a bit of adjusting to do. I'll admit, I was a bit sad to see him lean on another for support, but equally happy for him to embrace someone who felt he was just as special as I do. While things have settled down in our family, we haven't been able to carry on one of our most treasured traditions quite as often as I'd like. So, for so very many reasons, I used one of our favorite restaurants, Red Lobster, and it's Lobsterfest® event as an excuse to steal a little time with my father.
My dad and I are no strangers to the seafood dining chain- even more importantly, to the staff at our local Red Lobster. As customers we have known the general manager for many years. Any staff who has been employed there for even a short length of time recognizes us, and those who do not often know of us (or are filled in by others working.)

We're not celebrities. We're not related to anyone at the chain, or restaurant location. We don't go in every week and order the same thing. (Though there are a few special events, such as Lobsterfest®, we can be counted on to stop in for.) But year after year we visit to celebrate special occasions, or even long over-due father-daughter dates, and the staff continually makes us feel ever so valued and special.
So, on one unusually overcast Southern California day I met my father, after work, at our Oxnard, CA Red Lobster for a special dinner with just the two of us. I'll admit I was just as excited about getting some alone time with my pop as I was about the 2017 Lobsterfest® menu. For lobster enthusiasts, such as myself, this is the best time of year to visit and truly taste some amazing lobster inclusive dishes and inspired drinks. Of course, when the waiter brings those delicious buttery Red Lobster signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits to the table before you can even order, you know you're in for a treat!

My father insisted we order the Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms as an appetizer, while I knew we had to try the New Chilled Shrimp and Lobster Cocktail. Shrimp cocktail is one of our favorite dishes, and this new lobster twist promised to be a real treat with the addition of sweet, chilled, lobster.
As a collector of all things lobster, I simply had to order one of the special Lobsterfest® 2017 fruit-based cocktails, New Island Lobster Punch or New Lobsterfest® Fizz, which is served in a collectible Coastal glass that guest get to keep (while supplies last)! I may or may not (I do) have a collection of glassware from previous Red Lobster events, but the tropical inspired Lobsterfest® Fizz cocktail made the perfect compliment to our appetizers. With Absolut vodka, mango and passion fruit juices, Sprite, Sour Mix and a Grand Marnier float this sunrise colored cocktail was sweet and tangy in all the right ways.
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD
Our server was kind enough to time our appetizers, drinks, and salads perfectly after learning my father and I hadn't had a chance to catch up in a while. As we dined on the in-house poached Chilled Lobster and Shrimp Cocktail I reminisced about the start of our lobster traditions.

When I was a young girl my mother couldn't fly due to health complications so I'd visit my father's family, cross-country in New England, with my dad. It was a family tradition when we'd come into town for everyone to head on over to a local seafood hall for a grand feast- in particular an all-you-can-eat lobster feast. At the end of each brunch there would be a drawing where each participant would have a chance to have their ticket drawn for a basket of fresh live lobster to take home.

Around the age of 5-6 I drew my table's number. Then, on the next visit a year later, drew my table's number again. As you can imagine, being a New England family, this was widely celebrated both times, and well documented in family photos. That is the beginning of everything lobster for me (and my dad, even if he wont' admit it).
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD
Often times I feel like I bring up lobster, the food, and people react as though it's something reserved for a special occasion. Whether it's here in sunny SoCal, or back East where I imagine lobsters fall out of the sky and people enjoy fresh lobster for breakfast daily. (Or so I used to think as a kid living a SoCal live and visiting the strange and magical East Coast.) Truth is, lobster is something to be celebrated, but there is a way around it. Find more reasons to celebrate.

It's taken me 30 years and only now am I realizing that we, as humans, need to celebrate more. There are never too many excuses to enjoy a delicious meal, namely lobster, with friends or family. Lobsterworthy moments happen every day. I know my life is certainly the richer for moments such as this amazing meal with my father.
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD
And, speaking of amazing meals- you're probably wondering what exactly did I celebrate by ordering? Well, yours truly enjoyed the new Lobsterfest® Surf and Turf featuring a split Maine lobster tail baked with a signature seafood stuffing, alongside a wood-grilled sirloin topped with shrimp in a decadent lobster cream sauce. I'd contemplated upgrading my steak to a N.Y. strip, but talked it over with our server, who told us that the sirloin was in fact her personal favorite, and went that direction instead. Let me tell you- the sauce my sirloin was drowned in was a heavenly buttery, cheddary, seafoody (I'm making it a word) mix that paired with my butter-soft steak in the best of ways. I dare say it threatened to outshine my lobster- until I actually had my lobster, perfection.
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD
My father, notorious for devouring shrimp, is seen above in a rare snapshot (the last one I took of him was over a year ago!) insisting I put down the camera and let him eat. Who can blame him with the Ultimate Feast- a plate full of shrimp 2 ways, and a juicy Maine lobster tail. What's that? There are 2 lobster tails on his plate? Of course, because we do Lobsterfest® right! He traded in the crab legs traditionally featured on this dish for an upgrade of a seafood stuffed lobster tail, at an additional charge. Now that's a plate with everything a man could want!
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD
#CelebrateLobster with Red Lobster's 2017 Lobsterfest® event for a limited time! #AD
As we ate I was further reminded of the importance of lobster in our relationship. Sure, I'd won hundreds of dollars worth of lobster as a young girl- but it was the image of the lobster which I so tied to my exclusive father-daughter time with my dad. It was also the image that came to mind when I, as a SoCal girl, thought of my father's little New England home town because the airport we always flew into in Providence had a massive store full of lobster tourist paraphernalia.

This was something that stuck out in my head so much that, as I grew up and was unable to fly back East for family visits with my father, I'd request he bring me back a 'lobster' as a memento of his trip. It didn't mean much in the beginning, really. But here, some 15 years later my father brings me back a lobster from every trip. And, it's so notorious of a request that when either of us vacation, regardless of the destination, we hunt out the 'lobster' of that region and bring back a memento as a gift. Sometimes my father gets pretty creative- he brought back a plush scorpion from Arizona once.
So, these memories, and traditions, coupled with the fact that him and I (and sometimes our family, but usually him and I) have been meeting up for special meals at our local red lobster for over a decade truly bring the meaning of lobster to a full image. Events such as Lobsterfest® are more than special limited time dishes and drinks, they're a reason to celebrate. Lobster brings us in, but the amazing staff and countless memories in those booths really hold a special place in my heart. And, thanks to the great flavors I have just another sensory element to really bring those memories to life.
Bananas Foster Cheesecake dessert at Lobsterfest 2017- Red Lobster. #CelebrateLobster #AD
My dad and I are both talkers- we're notorious for sitting in the booth at our local Red Lobster for hours even after the main course has been served. Those who know of us understand the food was simply a means for bringing us together. They never rush us. And those who don't try their best to enhance our visit every way possible- from offering post dinner Cheddar Bay Biscuits, to asking if we want to place an order to bring home to those who didn't come in with us.

So, as I sat there milking the last few bites of our Lobsterfest® Bananas Foster Cheesecake, feeling a bit sad that I would soon have to hug my father and head home I also felt a bit of a warmth in my heart. As the server picked up the signed credit card statement, telling us to come back again soon I couldn't help but smile. Of course we'll be back. Lobster is kind of our thing.

Want to experience Lobsterfest® for yourself? Everyday is filled with lobsterworthy moments so choose one and head to your local Red Lobster soon, this event is for a limited time! Learn more and stay up to date with the chain on Facebook and Twitter. Do you have a #Lobsterworthy moment? Share your story on social media with the hashtag #Lobsterworthy.



Simple Ways To Create A Home Atmosphere That Is A Reflection Of You

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GladeAtmosphereCollection #CollectiveBias
Create a transforming D.I.Y zen water fountain in under $20 and 20 minutes with this tutorial! #GladeAtmosphereCollection #AD
 Momma Told Me: Paint a picture with all of the senses.

A home is much more than 4 walls.

For me my home is a work space, a creative beacon, a vehicle for the creation of memories, my sanctuary, and the place where I can truly express myself. Much like putting together the perfect outfit the items you choose to fill your home with are a direct expression of you. The first sights, sounds, and aromas your guests are greeted with paint an immediate picture of the passions that drive and inspire you.That's why it's important to consider the atmosphere of your home on several different levels, to brush an accurate and inviting landscape that is all your own.
Your home's atmosphere doesn't have to remain consistent. In fact, one of the best things about your home is that you can effortlessly change the mood and atmosphere of one room to the next with just a few simple subtractions or additions. Naturally your home's atmosphere will also change with the season, and your own life's focus, as the natural ebb of time inspires personal growth and exploration that truly builds upon layers of time and personality. A well worn home tells a story.
That's why I have long relied on home fragrance products by Glade® to help tell my home's story. Their wide range of everyday fragrances and products allow me to infuse any room with instant emotion. I keep a cupboard stocked full of our favorite fragrances but, every now and then, I want to truly elevate my atmosphere with something special. For a more sophisticated home fragrance experience, with the trusted Glade® brand name, I'm excited to have recently discovered the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ Fine Home Fragrance by Glade® products, sold at Ralphs. This thoughtful collection of 4 inspired home fragrances provides a palette of complicated aromas intended to instantly elevate any atmosphere. It's the perfect solution for busy shoppers seeking a high-end home fragrance experience at home, without the fuss of heading into a specialty store.
Available in 4.2oz Jar Candles and PlugIns® Scented Oil (2 Count) varieties these unique fine home fragrances found in the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by GladeⓇ cover 4 vastly different fragrance profiles; N°1 Enraptured™, N°2 Bright™, N°3 Free™, and N°4 Tempted™. I was immediately drawn to N°1 Enraptured™'s complex and charming build with notes of jasmine, rose and cedarwood. Much like the name would suggest it reminded me of whimsical forests filled with playful nymphs, and certainly transported me mentally to a very creative and relaxing atmosphere I find myself craving when I sit down to write. For our living room I was drawn to N°3 Free™'s carefree fragrance, which danced through the air on the essence of starfruit, coconut, and beach woods. It's relaxing and creamy cocktail of aromas put a playful smile on my face and solicited a mood of relaxation and contentment.
Both N°1 and N°3 are two distinctly different fine fragrance builds- where as I choose to incorporate the careful and playful notes of N°3 Free in my home's personal living room and entertaining space I find I am drawn to surround my personal creative work-space with the more whimsical notes of N°1 Enraptured. In fact, the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ N°1 Enraptured fine home fragrance is what inspired me to elevate the home atmosphere of my work-space. With the air wafting with notes of jasmine and lady apples I was driven to enhance my emotional experience with an element of sound that would further build upon the complex atmosphere of this room within my home.
Create a transforming D.I.Y zen water fountain in under $20 and 20 minutes with this tutorial! #GladeAtmosphereCollection #AD
I have always found that I thrive, creatively, when my senses are equally engaged. Fine fragrances illuminate one part of my brain, whereas white noise helps engage another. For this reason I usually keep wind chimes, or bird feeders nearby my work-space window, to provide ambient noise that really helps generate a mood. When we recently moved from our small condominium into a full fledged home I knew it was time, at last, to build an atmosphere that was creatively inspiring and all my own. With Glade's NEW N°1 Enraptured fragrance in mind I set out to make a simple zen fountain.

The process if quite simple, really- and allows for plenty of creative customization. To start you'll want to acquire the following things:

Small (5-10 gallon) Whisper Quiet Water Pump
2' Appropriately Sized Water Line Tubing
Large Waterproof Bowl
Larger Bowl/Stand For Water Bowl To Rest In
Decorative Elements-Scraps Of Metal/Small Decor/Etc
River Rocks
Water Spout/Fixture of Choice
Optional: Bendable Pipe Length To Hide Water Line
To begin you're going to want to attach your waterline to your pump securely. I only had airline on hand, which was a tad smaller than the output for my pump, so I hot glued the line in place on the pump output valve. 
 
I also chose to use an open structure decorative bowl as my 'base' for the bowl that served as my water basin. My main thinking in this was that I could easily weave the cord for my pump down the size of the bowl, between the two bowls, to help add stability and a clean solution for the cord. Whenever possible anchoring your pump cord (rather than allowing it to drape off the edge) will prove the most stable design.
Because I'd chosen a bowl with such a strong copper visual aesthetic I knew I wanted my decor, and spout, to be copper as well. For a few dollars I picked up a 1' length of hollow copper pipe I could effectively run my water line through to transport my water from the bowl up to my chosen spout. I used some leftover scrap metal to make a flat surface for my water to run down and clipped my water line just short of the edge of the spout. (To create the illusion the water was running from the spout, rather than a plastic line.)
One of the things that makes a water fountain a 'zen fountain' is the freedom one has to play with the pitch of the water. Have fun playing with building rocks to create louder or more subtle patterns of running water. Adding or removing a stone can easily adjust the decibel level to suit one's mood, and instantly impact the atmosphere of a room.
Create a transforming D.I.Y zen water fountain in under $20 and 20 minutes with this tutorial! #GladeAtmosphereCollection #AD
Naturally, the third aspect of transforming the atmosphere of a space is through the objects we fill it with to generate visual interest. I have a very clean, intentional, palette that demands all elements work in harmony. Because of how I am drawn to bright colors and bold visual accents I need home fragrance and sound elements that 'play well' with my existing materials. Sometimes traditional home fragrance products can be intrusive visually, so I'm especially glad that the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by GladeⓇ has a timeless design with glass jar candles that effortlessly fit into any decor or vignette.
Create a transforming D.I.Y zen water fountain in under $20 and 20 minutes with this tutorial! #GladeAtmosphereCollection #AD
Finding a fine home fragrance that truly helps express who you are can be challenging, and creating an atmosphere that is defined, and harmonious, even more so. When possible I like to tie my rooms together with key elements that I have in some way directly impacted through design or placement. If I can't create a focal point then it's important that the elements I've chosen directly speak to a story. I've definitely felt more confident I'm working towards accomplishing that with the addition of this new zen fountain and the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by GladeⓇ. Check out these bedroom makeover tips and ideas to help bring a new atmosphere to your bedroom, too!
Create a transforming D.I.Y zen water fountain in under $20 and 20 minutes with this tutorial! #GladeAtmosphereCollection #AD
If your home were an open storybook, halfway written and left open to a random page, could your guests clearly get an image of you as the writer? Heighten your own senses and pout your emotions to work with a beautifully built atmosphere of sights, sounds, and fragrances. Explore the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by Glade in the air care aisle at Ralphs, and bring home an elevated fragrance experience that truly inspires a whole new atmosphere, today. Do you have a a room in your home with a sight, fragrance, or sound that you feel helps build it's unique atmosphere? Tell me about it!



For more product information, and inspiration, stay up to date with the brand and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

What Daughter Says: Build upon the atmosphere of your home, or a room, with carefully selected sights, sounds, and aromas.

Max #YourTaxCash With Walmart Family Mobile + Somewhere Under The Rainbow Movie Night

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #YourTaxCash #CollectiveBias
Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
Momma Told Me: Some things in life are year-round.

Hopefully, by now, everyone has filed their taxes for the year, as the deadline is imminently looming. I know, it's not exactly high on the 'fun list' but it's definitely one of the 'joys' of adulthood you want to get done and over with so you can reap the benefits. Whether it's the peace of mind knowing you don't have to worry about paying taxes for another 365 days, or the cushy refund check hitting your bank account- tax time inspires many to celebrate. In fact, this year we're celebrating with Walmart Family Mobile's Unlimited* Talk, Text, & Data which *includes up to 10GB of 4G LTE then 2G and a free movie credit on VUDU every month ($7 value) for $49.88 per month, per line. It's how we're keeping the family connected throughout the year, and stretching those tax time dollars.
Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
You might remember, earlier this month, I shared how I replaced my old Samsung phone with a new Samsung Galaxy On5 handset, on rollback at Walmart now for just $69*. (* All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/7e-jr or your local Walmart for current pricing.) Thanks to Walmart Family Mobile's $19.88 SIM Kit I was able to choose, or bring, my phone of choice to the Walmart Family Mobile plan without any additional start up costs. And that's a true blessing considering the 4 digit number I just handed over to the IRS!
Of course the phones aren't the reason we've been using Walmart Family Mobile for several years now- it's the affordable plans like their Unlimited* Talk, Text, & Data plan which *includes up to 10GB of 4G LTE then 2G and a free movie credit on VUDU every month ($7 value) for $49.88 per month, per line. Since we don't have to commit to multiple lines to qualify for special pricing, or calculate any hidden taxes and fees both Jay and I enjoy fast service with unlimited* data at a price that leaves a decent chunk of Jay's refund in the bank for some family fun time. Of course, that's when I can get him to put his phone down from catching critters with apps and streaming his favorite music. 10G of 4G LTE data goes a long way!
Inspired by the FREE monthly (per line) VUDU credit (a $7 value, equal to a new release rental) with out Walmart Family Mobile Plus Plan, I decided to bring the family together for a special movie night. My theme? Somewhere UNDER the rainbow, of course! Now, don't get caught up in that wizard movie with the ruby slippers- This UNDER the rainbow themed movie night is about everything colorful and magical. Anything goes, and it doesn't jut have to be frills and sparkles, dragons and sea monsters are welcome too! Just make sure everyone arrives wearing their favorite colors- bonus points for a color-themed outfit!
No-sew unicorn blanket.
Movie night just isn't movie night without a great big, comfy, blanket. I've seen no-sew knot blankets online plenty of times, and I recently bought a crocheted mermaid tail blanket, but I hadn't seen anything unicorn inspired. Since I have absolutely NO sewing skills I dreamed up a super simple knot blanket that the entire family will want to steal!
Make this no sew unicorn blanket in minutes, perfect for a family movie night! #YourTaxCash #AD
Start with 2 giant pieces of white blanket fleece. (2 even cut pieces of 4 yards in total length, aka 2 cut yards, will make a Full size blanket. Overlap your white fleece being mindful that any surface you set them on may be linty and ultimately fuzz up your pretty white surface. Measure out to the middle of the fleece, horizontally, and then measure down about 16" from the top edge. Pinch the fabric and place a 1" slit horizontally through both layers of fabric. Place a second 1" slit about an inch down from the first. Move 3" down from the bottom slit and repeat until you have 6 pairs of slits down the center of the blanket.

Cut 4 even strips of approximately 6' in length and 3" in width from each of your 'mane' fleece colors. Loop all 4 of each color through both notches, red through the first set of notches, orange through the second, etc. The notches should be snug enough to hold the mane in place . Feel free to tie or braid the strips if desired. I chose to leave my mane free-flowing to cut down on bulk and weight, and give it a more playful feel.
This easy, dart free, ballon toss is a fun way to break up any movie night with it's rainbow theme! #YourTaxCash #AD
During family movie nights we like to have an intermission, so I decided to plan a fun and quick game that everyone could enjoy. Balloon darts have long been one of my favorite carnival games, but I don't love the idea of tossing sharp objects around with kids and pets present. Instead, I used a foam board to mount some air filled balloons with tack pins lightly pressed through the back. A few of the balloons were filled with surprises such as toys, candy, or confetti to add to the fun.
Dart free balloon darts may not require quite as much skill and precision as the traditional game, but bean bags can still pose a bit of a learning curve. They also, apparently, incite a family wide game of tag involving the hurling of bean bags throughout the house.
Punch out some rainbow tissue paper sheets and fill a 32" clear balloon for an instant decoration that's sure to wow your guests at any party! #YourTaxCash #AD
To make our family movie night a little more special I wanted to add a few 'wow' decorations that wouldn't cost much, or take too much time. A 6-pack of these 32" jumbo clear balloons require a decent chunk of helium (if you're using those portable party tank kits, like me) but are completely work it. Just use a paper punch to punch confetti through colored tissue paper and fill these balloons with rainbows before you blow them up. If you don't have helium on hand, you can blow these up by mouth (they'll still be huge and fun, they just won't float.) If your confetti loses some of it's 'stick' before movie night arrives just rub the edges of the balloon on the carpet to generate static!

*PRO TIP: Use biodegradable tissue paper and give the balloon a pop outside at the end of the night for a celebratory shower of confetti!
This Somewhere Under The Rainbow Movie Night is easy to prepare on a budget and tons of fun for the whole family! Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
It doesn't take a lot of time, or money, to really turn your living room into something magical. We bought most of our supplies at Walmart, and the rest we had on hand from craft projects or other events. I'll admit, I may have spent a few late nights on my Samsung Galaxy On5 browsing Pinterest boards for party ideas and inspiration, but that was half the fun!
While our coffee table and couches served as the main hub for our movie night, I wanted to bring a little rainbow to our mantel as well. A few white daises in colored water and glasses of varied heights helped offer a special touch that I particular appreciated as an adult participant. Of course I snapped tons of photos to send to Jay while I decorated and prepared. It was nice to be able to communicate, and even video chat, reliably thanks to our unlimited* data. (Includes up to 10GB of 4G LTE† data then 2G)
Somewhere Under The Rainbow Movie Night- Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
I won't lie the very thought of a single rainbow makes me giddy, so this rainbow fantasy themed movie night really put a smile on my face. I tossed some white wrapping paper across our coffee table to provide a blank canvas and really let my snacks and decor pop. The white paper also happens to double for a literal canvas where family and friends can doodle and make their mark with provided crayons and coloring pencils! As a 'centerpiece' I cut some hula-hoops in half and taped them together to make a mini rainbow. A sprinkling of rainbow swirl lollipops and leftover confetti added an instant splash of fun.
Mystery movie draw- Have each family member pull a stick and try to find a movie that matches all the themes! Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
We can NEVER agree on what to watch in our household. Movie night is no exception. We've tried 'taking turns' and it just never works out. To help make the task of agreeing upon a movie to use our VUDU credit on a little more fun I decided to take a bunch of colored popcicle sticks and write some themes on them. The idea is that everyone pulls a stick and the family browses the thousands of titles available for streaming to find a film that best fits the requirements on the sticks. For our movie night we drew a 90 minute (or less) comedy, which was also a remake. Try to guess what we ended up watching with VUDU on our ROKU®!
Grab these FREE printable coloring sheets and fill in the clouds with random things, then have family members color in the clouds as they spot these items in the movie! Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
For those who have short attention spans, such as children or husbands, or those who have seen the movie a million times I also made some fun I-Spy printable coloring sheets that everyone can enjoy. Click here for the dragon printable, or here for the unicorn printable.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-4tjJzvAMc9VzBURzhRVmZkNkU/view?usp=sharing
Print these coloring sheets out and write a few objects, themes, or events in the clouds. This could be anything as obvious as 'an animated character' or 'a dog house' to something a bit more obscure such as 'time travel' or 'a flashback'. Use your judgement when you choose based on the age of the person filling our that particular sheet. The person with the most clouds colored at the end of the movie wins!
Rainbow fruit skewers.
It wouldn't be movie night without plenty of snacks to munch on. Rainbow fruit skewers with strawberries, mango, pineapple, blueberries, kiwi, and grapes make for a fresh and fun snack while various rainbow colored candies or crackers will allow family members to indulge a little. I also added a few drops of blue coloring to our soda, and a few double headed serpent gummies to add a bit of whimsy to our drinks!
All electronics here! Tray for your next movie night- Max #YourTaxCash with @Walmart Family Mobile and enjoy a FREE VUDU movie credit ($7 value, equal to a new release rental) every month, per line. #AD
Lastly, the key to a successful family movie night isn't really in the decorations, food, or games. As awesome, and productive, as it is to be plugged in and online during the day when everyone is out and about family time requires a disconnect. Jay likes to argue, "But how will we get out money's worth with ALL of the free data?" Regardless, I make him hand over this phone for movie night too. In fact, I even have a special tray for those electronics to nap in when the lights go out and the big screen comes on. After all, they can text all their friends and tell them how awesome movie night was after the final credits.

Thanks to our free, monthly per-line, VUDU credit with out Walmart Family Mobile Plus Plan we'll be enjoying a lot more family movie nights. We'll also be maxing our tax cash with smarting spending on our unlimited*mobile plan which helps us stay connected year-round for one low monthly cost. (*Includes up to 10GB of 4G LTE† data then 2G) Tell me, how would your family decide on a movie each month if your phone plan gave you a free (*7 new release) movie credit?

 What Daughter Says: Tax time may shine a spotlight on money, but making smart decisions year-round will set you up for success!